ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

Abnormal Psychology

Acknowledgements

Writing this thesis has been very demanding, challenging and time-consuming, but also remarkable, informative and above all fun. Nevertheless, it feels great to have finally completed my bachelor's or master's thesis and I am now looking forward to a nice relaxing period for recovering. It has been both advantages and drawbacks with the limited amount of earlier research conducted within this area, even though I faced serious troubles but sometimes the advantages of this research luckily were in my favor and have made this research both challenging and interesting.

I would like to thank my supervisor -------, professor at -------University, who has been great in guiding my through this thesis, helping me through the difficulties I faced during the entire process and motivated me to work hard. Furthermore, I would like to thank all my friends, for their contributions by sharing their perceptions and opinions with me. Above all I would like to thank my family and teachers that provided me with valuable and constructive criticism.

Summary/Abstract

The study of abnormal psychology (also sometimes called psychopathology) often captivates many students, because it is one of the most interesting and provocative topics in psychology. Descriptions of the wide variety of mental disorders and related symptoms can include combinations of bizarre and illogical actions, thoughts, and feelings that may look somewhat like a comic tragedy to the outside observer (Comer, 2001). However, this may be due in part to the descriptions and perceptions of the cases chosen for presentation to begin with. Various forms of media often portray people with mental disorders in an entertaining yet unrealistic and overly dramatic manner, further reinforcing stereotypes and misconceptions about mental illness. Yet for people suffering with mental illness, without diagnosis and treatment, theirs can be a world of loneliness, fear, alienation, and marginalization.

Abnormal Psychology

Normal and Abnormal Behavior

The realm between normal and abnormal behavior is a fine balance determined by a person's mental, physical and cultural being. If this is the case normal behavior can be defined by a person who fully functions within their society. Therefore a person who follows the rules and maintains a balance of existence may be considered normal. This creates a false perception of abnormal being limited to noncompliant behavior towards the social demands of ones environment (Comer, 2001). When in actuality abnormal behavior is an emotional state which causes one to act inappropriately.

It can be difficult to determine if a person is overreacting to a situation or if there is justifiable cause for concern about their emotional state. To establish if a person is suffering from abnormal behavior due to a poor mental state or psychological disorder one should consider the criteria used in determining abnormalities. This can be done by answering these simple questions:

1. Is the individual really displaying unusual behavior?

2. Does the behavior go against societal norms?

3. Is there evidence their realty perception is faulty?

4. Does this person appear to be in considerable personal distress?

5. Is the person's behavior maladaptive or self ...